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Wednesday, 22 February 2017

Style Arc Rae Tunic


Style Arc Rae Tunic
I chose this lovely Poly/Spandex knit from Knitwit to try out the Style Arc Rae Tunic. I love a good tunic and I have been wanting to try out the cold shoulder trend for a while now, so this pattern ticked all the boxes for me.
Style Arc Rae Tunic
Suggested fabrics are crepe, silk or even a knit. That makes this a very versatile pattern. I dispensed with the button and loop back neck closure, as it was not required. The tunic slips easily over your head (in a knit, anyway).

I cut my usual size 12, with no alterations, but in hindsight I probably should have done a forward shoulder adjustment. The tunic is quite loose fitting and skims nicely over any lumpy bits.

I like the length of the tunic...plenty of backside coverage. I am wearing it with my Style Arc Elle's in white stretch bengaline, made ages ago. This tunic only takes 85cm of 148cm wide fabric (sizes 4-16, slightly more in the larger sizes). You must have a seam at the centre back to squeeze it out of this yardage though.
Application of Bondaweb to hems
I have found when working with these slinky poly/spandex knits, the application of Bondaweb to the hems assists in stabilising the area and results in perfect stitching. I also used Bondaweb in the shoulder seams as I wanted that extra stability for the top stitching.
Sewing knits with my walking foot.
My walking foot also helps enormously when sewing with knits. It's great to learn all these little tricks and see the quality of your sewing improve. 

Loving the cold shoulder feature and it's perfectly bra friendly too. I used a knit binding turned completely to the inside, and top stitched, to finish off the neckline.

Another great feature of the Rae Tunic is the curved hem.

This photo shows the real shape of the tunic with the cut on sleeves. After wearing this to work today, I can report that it is very comfortable and I enjoyed wearing it. I have two pieces of rayon purchased recently with this pattern in mind. It will be interesting to see how it compares in a woven fabric to this one in a knit.

Happy sewing

 Jean.
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15 comments:

  1. Deborah Ritchie22 February 2017 at 23:18

    Very pretty on you, Jean...tunic and color of fabric.

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  2. MaryEllen23 February 2017 at 01:22

    I love everything about this top !!! The color is so pretty & the style looks so flattering! Love the cold shoulder without being too bare ! Great job !

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    Replies
    1. Sew, Jean Margaret26 February 2017 at 11:20

      Thanks so much MaryEllen. The cold shoulder is quite conservative and it felt appropriate to wear to work.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous23 February 2017 at 07:15

    This tunic is lovely and you look great.

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  4. Lyndle23 February 2017 at 09:50

    Love this tunic on you and that fabric is gorgeous!! It's probably a good thing that knitwit doesn't ship to New Zealand.

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    Replies
    1. Sew, Jean Margaret26 February 2017 at 11:23

      Thanks so much Lyndle. Such a shame that Knitwit don't ship to New Zealand.

      Delete
  5. Anonymous24 February 2017 at 00:13

    This style suits you so well. I haven't seen this pattern before and it's lovely. Another fabulous Style Arc make!

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret26 February 2017 at 11:24

      Thanks Sue. Yes, it does feel like my style. I think it was one of the freebie patterns I received with a recent order.

      Delete
  6. Sew, Jean Margaret26 February 2017 at 11:25

    Thank you Vicki.

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  7. Lisa26 February 2017 at 14:23

    Love everything about this super cute top! And thank you for including your tips about hemming/stitching knits. That is a problem area for me sometimes. :)

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    1. Sew, Jean Margaret26 February 2017 at 16:54

      Thanks so much Lisa. These are tips that have certainly improved my sewing skills and if I can help other sewists by sharing this knowledge, that is awesome.

      Delete
  8. Sharon27 February 2017 at 13:53

    A very stylish top, the drawing really is deceptive as it shows lovely lines in your top.

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    Replies
    1. Sew, Jean Margaret27 February 2017 at 16:45

      Thanks Sharon. I am planning to try this pattern in a woven rayon too. It will be interesting to compare it with the knit.

      Delete